Grundy County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Grundy County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sheriff's Office communications contract
The county is considering having Simple Communications take over contractual IT work for the sheriff's office, since in-house technical staff have thinned out. It's only a placeholder in the tech budget — the contract still has to come before the board.
Nuclear safety and emergency preparedness planning
The Local Emergency Planning Committee reported three hazardous-material incidents in the past month: spills in Seneca and Morris and an overpressurized rail car handled with a controlled release. A Morris Hospital disaster exercise is set for October 1.
Animal control operations and adoptions
The shelter has 34 animals and adoption numbers have jumped to about 130 this year from 50-60 last year, helped by housing cats at Four Paws. Wardens are helping another county with a 60-plus-dog hoarding rescue.
Cornfest Hand-Washing Compliance
The environmental health division warned the Cornfest committee that required hand-washing stations were missing again this year and will send a certified letter requiring them next time.
STI Testing Program Launch
The health department rolled out new STI testing with standing orders signed by Dr. Howd. Staff are still working out billing and advertising.
Active TB case management in Grundy County
One resident is being treated for active tuberculosis through the health department and Sunny Hill TB Clinic, using direct-observation therapy. All of the person's contacts have tested negative, which means the spread risk appears contained.
Mobile Flu Clinics and At-Home Shots
Flu clinics have reached Elliott Manor, Saratoga Towers, the Gardner resource center, and New Hope Presbyterian in Coal City, plus employee shots for 24 county workers. A new at-home flu shot program serves homebound residents.
Behavioral Health Division Reopening vs. North Central Lease
The county is pursuing state licensure to reopen its behavioral health division, but North Central Behavioral Health may lease much of the county building and offer far broader services to Medicaid clients. Board members wrestled with whether to keep funding the restart or rely on North Central — and where the money would come from, since the county cut behavioral health from the approved budget.
November 3 general election preparations
Early voting is underway at the courthouse with extended hours coming to Minooka Village Hall and the Coal City Library Annex, vote-by-mail processing happens every Wednesday morning and is open to the public, and specimen ballots hit mailboxes this week.
Veterans Assistance Commission services
The VAC helped local veterans file 57 claims so far this fiscal year and granted about $18,800 in financial assistance, plus runs hundreds of rides to Hines and Joliet VA facilities.
Employment practice claim against circuit clerk's office
A former circuit clerk's office employee filed an EEOC/human rights complaint alleging harassment, age discrimination, and inadequate training before termination. If she receives a right-to-sue notice, it could become a lawsuit against the county.
Special event liquor license for Sportsmen for Charity
The committee approved a $200 special event liquor license for the charity's September 13 event at Cardinal Transport in Coal City.
FY27 sheriff's squad purchase
The sheriff needs five new marked squads for FY27, and the low bid came in about $14,000 under the $255,000 budgeted. It now goes to the full County Board on July 14 for final approval.
ETSB staffing transition
911 dispatch (ETSB) is hiring four telecommunicators from 16 applicants due to retirements and resignations, and a hiring committee with a recruiting firm is working to replace director Kevin Bogard as he shifts into sheriff's operations.